Frozen lakes will not be safe for a while

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EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- Thanks to the coldest air of the season settling into West Michigan, ice is finally forming on inland lakes.

The ice, however, needs to be clear, solid, and at least four inches thick before it's safe to walk on. East Grand Rapids Public Safety says it will probably take a few weeks before ice reaches that thickness.

The department is trained in ice rescue, but they prefer not to use that training. They say you can avoid being rescued by testing its thickness, venturing out with a partner, and taking ice picks with you as a precaution in case you fall in.

The long range forecast is calling for milder temperatures to return to the area, along with a chance for rain. Therefore, it's advised not to go out on area lakes any time soon.